About DWK
In 1995, several women friends fell into deep conversation about what was happening, and not happening, in politics…
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…and it was their perception that they did not see an effective presence of the Democratic Party in Kern County. They decided that this was a situation that needed changing and they would work to change it! This was the beginning of the organization originally named the Democratic Women of South San Joaquin Valley, now officially called the Democratic Women of Kern.
Since that time, this organization has developed a core group of committed women, (and men) who participate in activities that support the local Democratic Party and its principles. DWK works in cooperation with the Kern County Democratic Central Committee, sponsors events to highlight local Democratic candidates and assists wherever they can by working to register voters, provide phone banking, walking and working for positive change in our community. We continue to provide a platform where guest speakers address relevant issues of the current political climate and where we can come together as Democrats and as women to educate and support each other. We celebrate over 20 years of political activism and we are still fighting the good fight.
We invite you to join us.
The founders of Democratic Women of Kern
Katy Lingo, Marie Vasili & Renee Westa-Lusk
Meet Our Board

Hortencia Cabral
President
I am honored to serve as the President of the Democratic Women of Kern for 2025, a milestone year marking the 30th anniversary of our club. Under my leadership, we are dedicated to fostering a stronger sense of community across Kern County while remaining vigilant and active in combating the harmful agenda of MAGA extremists. Together, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable and fighting for justice at every step.
I am a wife, sister, daughter of immigrant parents, and a proud working mother of two amazing boys. My passion for civic engagement was ignited after the 2016 elections, when I rolled up my sleeves and began knocking on doors to empower my community and encourage voter participation.
In my relentless quest to increase voter turnout, I discovered the transformative power of voter-to-voter contact through postcards. This approach proved to be highly effective, as evidenced by my successful campaign for a seat on the Kern County Democratic Central Committee. I mailed 3,000 postcards and secured my position with 4,221 votes.
For 16 years, I have been employed with my current employer, where I have demonstrated dedication and professionalism. I am also proud to serve as a trustee of the Greenfield Union School District, where I work tirelessly to ensure equal access to quality education for all students.
I believe in the power of grassroots activism and the impact of committed leadership in building stronger, more engaged communities.
Hortencia Cabral
A Note From the President
Democratic Women of Kern is an organization founded over 35 years ago and dedicated to pursuing Democratic values, and human issues, with an emphasis on women’s issues. The organization is devoted to educating women and men on ways they can make their voices heard, both politically and through public service.
Human trafficking, health care, education, homelessness and senior Issues are only some of the areas we address as we serve the community. Solutions require that government and citizens work together for the common good. As Democrats, we support our Democratic candidates and representatives who work to address these issues through action and legislation.
DWK welcomes all genders. Together, we advocate for the voiceless, the marginalized and all the hardworking people striving for the American dream. We want to assure that every voice is heard, from the ballot box to the halls of government. Our members support and register voters, contribute to foster youth served by the Dream Center and women reconstructing their lives at Casa Esparanza, engage in voter outreach, and seek to serve our community in many different ways. During the early days of Covid-19, our organization sewed and distributed over 1,000 masks. The needs of our community are varied. Democratic Women of Kern is committed to making a difference and making our community better. There is a place for you here.
Come join us!

Kellie Pollack
Vice President
I am a data analyst specializing in public health, women’s rights, and gun safety. I am also a proud mother of two college daughters, and an active Air Force son. I am dedicated to fighting climate change, women’s rights, activating voters, and preserving the components that make our pluralist democracy great.

Joni Gregg
Treasurer

Flor Olvera
Corresponding Secretary
My name is Flor Olvera. I’m a small-town native to immigrant parents who exemplified a passion for living life to its fullest potential. I’m a career- and community-driven Latina motivated through my daughter to make exemplary change to our environments as women and men deserving of human rights of whom lead lives of choices, not circumstances. Leading by example is a life motto of mine, and I find enjoyment in motivating others to do the same. “

Caitlin Davidson
Recording Secretary
Caitlin was born and raised in Bakersfield where family values, integrity, and hard work shaped their early years. After moving away to pursue education and build a career, Caitlin returned home in 2022 with a passion for making a difference in the community that raised them. Deeply committed to investing in the local community, Caitlin joined the Democratic Women of Kern inspired by the belief that strong communities thrive on collective activism, diverse perspectives, care, and connection. Today, Caitlin is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the place they’re proud to call home.

Charlotte O’Brien
Membership Chair
Charlotte O’Brien is a California native, and a lifelong Democrat, who has moved over thirty times, most recently to Bakersfield in late 2021.
She joined the DWK in March 2022 to help in their efforts to effect more positive political change in Kern County. In addition, she consults on a voluntary basis to The Rona Barrett Foundation in Santa Barbara County. Her introduction to nonprofits was as Manager of the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard. She has worked in a variety of industries since 1968 giving her a depth and breadth of experience and expertise to draw on whenever and however it can help to make a difference.

Angelica Valenzuela
Member At Large
Angelica, who recently retired from a career at State Farm Insurance two years ago, has embarked on a new journey to deepen her engagement with the political process by joining DWK. She relishes the opportunity to connect with other individuals sharing her passion for civic involvement. Angelica has already made her mark by participating in the KC fair this year and eagerly anticipates embracing various roles to contribute in 2024.

Jeanine Adams
Member At Large
Jeanine Adams has 10 years public sector experience in addition to 20+ years in the private, financial services sector. Moving from Los Angeles to Kern County in 1994, Jeanine and her husband Paul raised their two children to care for and serve their local communities.
Since 2009, Jeanine was a proud active SEIU 521 union member until she retired in 2023 and continues to advocate for workers’ rights as a union retiree activist.
Additionally, Jeanine served on the Kern County Employee Retirement Association board from 2021 – 2023. She believes that every worker has the fundamental right to retire with dignity. Jeanine continues her retirement security advocacy work as a member of the California Alliance for Retired Americans.
During her 2025 term as a member at large, Jeanine pledges to diligently use her experience and training to move forward our shared Democratic values.

Rosann Wattonville
Member At Large
Rosann Wattonville taught middle school for 39 years and retired in 2019. During her time as a science teacher she organized and lead a civic minded Roots and Shoots Service club for her students which emphasized caring for animals, humans, and the environment. Rosann has been involved with the Democratic party helping in many elections and is excited to be a part of DWK’s leadership team